The Week on Wall StreetStocks struggled during a 4-day market week as the U.S.-China trade standoff continued to weigh on the minds of market participants. From the Friday, May 24 close to the Friday, May 31 close, the S&P 500 retreated 2.62%; the Nasdaq Composite, 2.41%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 3.01%. The MSCI EAFE index of overseas stocks dipped just 1.47% in a week.[1][2]

Trade is dominating the conversation in the financial markets, with developments steadily unfolding. Wednesday, China’s state media suggested that the country could soon cut off exports of rare earths to the U.S. Late Thursday, the Trump administration announced 5% tariffs on all imports from Mexico, effective June 10; these taxes could rise in the coming months.[3][4]

Meanwhile, on Main Street…The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index soared to 134.1 in May, its highest reading since November; the consumer view of present economic conditions was the best since the end of 2000. Additionally, the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index ended May at 100.00, near the 15-year peak of 102.4 seen earlier in the month.[5][6]

Spring also brought a solid advance in consumer spending. April’s gain was 0.3%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.[7]

Final ThoughtWhile Wall Street remains cautious and concerned about trade, consumers appear to be upbeat, sensing widespread economic prosperity. This underscores the fact that the state of the economy does not necessarily correspond to the state of the stock market (and vice versa).

THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATAMonday: The Institute for Supply Management releases its latest factory purchasing manager index, which takes the pulse of the U.S. manufacturing sector.Tuesday: Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks on monetary policy at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.Wednesday: Payroll giant ADP releases its May private-sector employment snapshot.Friday: The Department of Labor presents its May employment report.

Source: Econoday / MarketWatch Calendar, May 31, 2019The Econoday and MarketWatch economic calendars list upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

Source: Morningstar.com, May 31, 2019Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

“If you’re not stubborn, you’ll give up on experiments too soon. And if you’re not flexible, you’ll pound your head against the wall and you won’t see a different solution to a problem you’re trying to solve.”

-Jeff Bezos

Hot Ramen Bowls

Ingredients:

Serves 2

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. olive oil

2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced

2 to 4 tsp. ginger, freshly grated

½ cup carrots, shredded

½ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (you can use other available mushrooms)

Place a pan on medium heat and add the sesame oil and olive oil. Add garlic and ginger, and simmer until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

Add the carrots and mushrooms, and simmer until they soften, about a minute, stirring frequently.

Add the broth, Sriracha sauce, rice vinegar (if using), and soy sauce. Stir, and bring to a simmer; let it go for about five minutes. Taste, then adjust heat and flavor to your liking, adding more Sriracha and soy sauce, if needed.

Carefully place the ramen noodles into the pot of simmering broth and cook approximately 2 to 3 minutes, until tender.

Carefully transfer the soup and noodles to bowls and allow to cool. At this time, make your soft-boiled egg.

Soft-Boiled Egg

Boil water in a small saucepan. Add the egg(s) and let them boil for five minutes.

Have an ice bath ready, and when the time is up, transfer the eggs into the ice bath for about a minute to stop the cooking process.

Gently crack the egg and roll on a flat surface, then peel, slice in half, and place on top of your soup.

To Serve

Garnish with your toppings of choice and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Killing Thyme [8]

Hobby or Business?

You may make jewelry, sell baked goods, or do some carpentry. When you start selling these goods, the IRS may need for you to report this income. So, how do you know when it remains a hobby or becomes a business? When your hobby becomes profitable, it may be a business. The IRS offers some factors for you to consider, including:

Do you carry on the activity in a businesslike manner and maintain books and records?

Does the time and effort you put into the activity indicate you intend to make it profitable?

Do you depend on income from the activity for your livelihood?

Are your losses due to circumstances beyond your control (or are normal in the startup phase)?

Have you changed your methods of operation in an attempt to improve profitability?

Do you or your advisors have the knowledge needed to carry on the activity as a successful business?

Were you successful in making a profit in similar activities in the past?

*This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. Tip adapted from IRS.gov[9]

Mental Fortitude

The best golfers know that successful shots are as much mental as they are physical. A common way to increase your focus is to keep your mind centered in the moment. What type of shot are you playing? What is your target? Do you have a strategy for your swing?

At the same time, try to block those negative thoughts we all have on the course. But if you find yourself unable to maintain your focus, regroup by taking a few breaths and listening to your heartbeat. Don’t feel rushed into a swing when you’re not entirely focused on your goal. Here’s a quick routine:

Give yourself a quick timeout to regroup.

Use your eyes to refocus on your target.

Use self-talk to tell yourself where your attention should go.

Take a few calming breaths to relax and get your mental game back on track.

Tip adapted from Golf Tips Magazine [10]

How to Make New Friends

Everyone feels lonely at times. Making friends can beat these lonely feelings and may also bring some fun and companionship to your life. Here are some friendship-making tips to try:

What about you? Work on your great qualities that give you confidence. They will shine and attract likeminded folks.

What are you passionate about? Golf, crafts, the outdoors, swimming, cooking? Try volunteering at places that relate to whatever floats your boat.

Meetup. You could try the Meetup app for local social groups, but literally, “meetup.” If you meet a potential friend, meet for coffee in a neutral place. Think about some things to talk about and questions to ask in advance. You’ll learn a lot, and possibly, make a new friend.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

]]>Higher Tariffs Take Effecthttps://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/higher-tariffs-take-effect/
Tue, 14 May 2019 16:26:02 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=312WEEKLY UPDATE – MAY 13, 2019 The Week on Wall StreetAs we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.12%, the S&P 500, 2.18%; the Nasdaq Composite,…

The Week on Wall StreetAs we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.12%, the S&P 500, 2.18%; the Nasdaq Composite, 3.03%. International stocks also fell: the MSCI EAFE index declined 3.06%.

Earnings and big-name initial public offerings mattered little last week. Traders were more concerned about how consumers and corporations might be affected by higher import taxes in future quarters.[1][2]Tariffs IncreaseAt 12:01 a.m. Friday, duties on $200 billion worth of Chinese products coming to the U.S. rose from 10% to 25%. Just days earlier, President Trump had tweeted that the U.S. might also tax another $325 billion of Chinese imports, mainly consumer goods.

While the proposed new taxes might take months to implement, institutional investors reacted negatively to this information, perceiving that trade talks were stalled.[3][4]

Final ThoughtA few weeks ago, market watchers noted the huge number of initial public offerings anticipated for 2019. One well-known tech firm completed its IPO on Friday, and the wave of tech IPOs is still building. According to research firm CB Insights, the average stock market valuation of the venture-capital-backed tech companies going public this year is $9.6 billion.[5]

THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATAWednesday: April retail sales figures from the Census Bureau.Friday: The University of Michigan’s preliminary May consumer sentiment index, a measure of consumer confidence.

Source: Econoday / MarketWatch Calendar, May 10, 2019The Econoday and MarketWatch economic calendars list upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

Source: Morningstar.com, May 10, 2019Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

“You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe.”– Oprah Winfrey

Garlicky Dill Pickles

Yields 10 to 12 pickles

Ingredients:

2 lbs. small pickling cucumbers

1½ cups apple cider vinegar

1½ cups filtered water

2 Tbsp. pickling salt

8 garlic cloves, peeled (add more if you’d like)

4 tsp. dill seed

2 tsp. black peppercorns

1 tsp. red chili flakes

Directions:

Be sure that your jars are washed thoroughly. To make shelf-stable pickles, prepare a boiling water bath canner. Put fresh canning jar lids into a small saucepan with 3 inches of water and set to the lowest simmer.

Prepare the cucumbers by washing and drying them, then remove the blossom end. Depending on the shape of pickle you want, cut the cucumbers into slices for chips, quarters for spears, or leave whole.

Bring the vinegar, water, and salt to a boil in a saucepan.

Distribute equal portions of the garlic cloves, dill seed, black peppercorns, and red chili flakes among the readied jars. Arrange the cucumbers into the jars as tightly as possible but try not to crush them.

Pour the brine into the jars, leaving ¼ inch between the top of the liquid and the rim of the jar. Gently tap the jars to remove any air bubbles. You can also use a long kitchen utensil, like a chopstick, to let any bubbles escape. Wipe the rims of the jars, then put the lids and bands on the jars without screwing on too tightly.

If you’re processing jars for shelf stability, put them into the processing pot. Once the water returns to a boil, set a timer for 10 minutes, then remove the jars after the time is up. Check the seals once the jars are cool enough to handle.

If you’re not processing your jars, then allow them to cool before putting them into the refrigerator. Your jars may seal during the cooling process.

The pickles need to rest in the fridge for one week before serving.

Recipe adapted from Serious Eats [6]

Gratitude is the Attitude

It’s hard to be anything else when you are in an attitude of gratitude. A grateful mindset is an instant way to get positive and feel better. But just how do you do that? Here are some great tips to start now: Make a commitment to gratitude. This is a daily practice; one you can do at the end of each day. Compile a gratitude list of all the positive things to be grateful for. Pay attention to your thoughts. Have a mindset of gratitude. Notice if your mind wants to be negative or judgmental. That’s okay. Gently guide it back to grateful. Help others. There are always others who are less fortunate. Giving, whether it is your time, service, or a financial donation, feels good and shares your abundance. Living in abundance is a flow, an ability to give and receive. Tip adapted from Lifehack [9]

Ways to Save Energy at Home

There are a lot of ways to save energy at home, including a few you might not have thought of. Here are a few energy saving tips that are different and doable:

Energy-efficient landscaping: Plan where you place shade trees around the house, and you could save between $100 and $250, annually.

In hot water: Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) and save energy.

Cook small: Use your microwave, toaster oven, or grill appliance rather than the oven. You’ll use less energy and avoid excess heat that increases room temperature.

Use a power strip: Leaving a computer on all day can cost about 21 cents per day or about $75 per year. Plug your computer, printer, and other home office items into a multiple-outlet strip, which can turn everything off with the flip of a switch.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

]]>Market Update: Mon, May 6, 2019https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/market-update-mon-may-6-2019/
Tue, 14 May 2019 16:03:01 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=311Posted by lplresearch Daily Insights Trade tensions escalate again. Just as the headlines suggested a deal was close, President Trump’s threat over the weekend to raise tariff rates on $200 billion of Chinese imports and institute new tariffs on an additional $325 billion of Chinese goods has driven S&P 500 Index futures down more than 1% today. We still…

Trade tensions escalate again. Just as the headlines suggested a deal was close, President Trump’s threat over the weekend to raise tariff rates on $200 billion of Chinese imports and institute new tariffs on an additional $325 billion of Chinese goods has driven S&P 500 Index futures down more than 1% today. We still expect a deal in fairly short order for several reasons. This action conflicts with the tone of comments out of other key negotiators on both sides, and President Trump has a track record of getting toughest as negotiations near the finish line (NAFTA 2.0 is an example). Also, a deal is clearly in the best interest of both parties (Trump wants re-election and China wants growth). While this threat clearly increases short-term risk, and was a surprise to markets, we believe a path to compromise on using tariffs as an enforcement mechanism—the main sticking point—still exists.

Will “Sell in May and go away” work this year? Every year a barrage of Wall Street commentaries, media stories, and investor questions flood in about this popular stock market adage reflecting the weakest six months of the stock market historically. In our latest Weekly Market Commentary due out later today, we tackle this commonly cited seasonal pattern, and discuss why we may see some seasonal weakness in 2019. While this six-month stretch has seen higher equity prices in recent years, with stocks up significantly from the December lows, some caution may be warranted this year.

The case against a rate cut. The Federal Reserve (Fed) and markets are at odds with each other again. Futures are pricing in more than a 50% chance of a rate cut in 2019, and short-term yields have dropped below the upper-bound Fed funds rate for the first time this cycle. Markets’ concern has centered on slowing inflation, which the Fed has dismissed as a temporary trend. In this week’s Weekly Economic Commentary, we’ll outline the high bar for a rate cut historically, and why a Fed pause makes sense here.

Star Wars and investing. May 4th was Star Wars Day 2019. It comes from a play on words, “May the Force be with you.” Or “May the fourth be with you,” get it? Today on the LPL Research blog we take a fun look at some of the most famous Star Wars quotes in history and what they can tell us about investing.

Earnings turn positive. With 388 S&P 500 companies having reported, S&P 500 earnings growth is tracking to a 0.9% year over year increase for the first quarter, more than 3 percentage points above quarter-end estimates (Refinitiv data). Consumer discretionary and healthcare have produced the biggest upside surprises, healthcare has produced the biggest increase (+9%), while energy sector earnings have fallen by and missed by the most despite the sharp rise in oil prices during the quarter. This week 59 S&P 500 companies will report results.

Estimates still holding up well. Forward estimates for the S&P 500 have only fallen by 0.4% during earnings season, better than average and reflecting the better-than-feared global growth environment. Consensus estimates for 2019 S&P 500 earnings growth currently stand at 3-4%, which we believe is overly pessimistic given positive economic fundamentals and favorable prospects for a U.S.-China trade deal.

A look ahead. Looking ahead, the steady flow of corporate earnings continues, both in the U.S. and Europe, while U.S. inflation and several important data sets out of China highlight the economic docket. Track these and other important events on our Weekly Global Economic & Policy Calendar.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Unmanaged index returns do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment.

Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk in all market environments.

All company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. LPL Financial doesn’t provide research on individual equities.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC.

To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor, please note that LPL Financial LLC is not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity.

The investment products sold through LPL Financial are not insured deposits and are not FDIC/NCUA insured. These products are not Bank/Credit Union obligations and are not endorsed, recommended or guaranteed by any Bank/Credit Union or any government agency. The value of the investment may fluctuate, the return on the investment is not guaranteed, and loss of principal is possible.

]]>Stocks Post Small Weekly Gainshttps://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/stocks-post-small-weekly-gains/
Wed, 13 Feb 2019 19:05:10 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=307Weekly Update – February 11, 2019 The Week on Wall Street Major U.S. stock benchmarks eked out slight gains last week, with corporate profit reports and news about U.S.-China trade negotiations vying for investor attention over five trading sessions. The big three ended the week little changed from where they settled the previous Friday. The…

Major U.S. stock benchmarks eked out slight gains last week, with corporate profit reports and news about U.S.-China trade negotiations vying for investor attention over five trading sessions.

The big three ended the week little changed from where they settled the previous Friday. The Dow Jones Industrials rose 0.17% percent, while the S&P 500 Index gained 0.05% percent. The NASDAQ Composite ended the week up 0.47%. Looking at international stocks, the MSCI EAFE index retreated 0.47%.[1][2]

Earnings Scorecard
As of last Friday, 66% of all S&P 500 companies had reported fourth-quarter earnings. So far, 71% of these firms have announced earnings exceeding estimates, and 62% have seen revenues top projections. [3]

Halfway through earnings season, 2019 future guidance has been a mixed bag for S&P 500 companies. [3] For Wall Street, future earnings can be just as important as current earnings. We keep a close eye on both.

Tariff Tensions
March 1 is the 90-day deadline set by President Trump for a trade deal with China. If no agreement is reached, the U.S. may consider a new round of tariffs. On Thursday, news that President Trump and Chinese President Xi may not meet before the March 1 deadline added to the market volatility.

The decision by the U.S. on new tariffs may hinge on how much progress has been made toward a new agreement. We don’t expect that to become clear until the deadline nears.

State of the Service Sector
Many indicators help economists take the pulse of the overall economy. The Institute for Supply Management keeps a critical, but not widely followed, index, which helps gauge the health of the service sector.

The January reading on this index came in at 56.7. Any reading above 50 shows that the service industry is seeing solid growth. [4]

Final Thought
Over the next several weeks, we’re expecting more volatility as the markets digest economic news, a new wave of corporate earnings, and twists and turns on the geopolitical front. We will be watching to see if anything changes our short-term and long-term view. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Source: Econoday / MarketWatch Calendar, February 8, 2019 The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision. The release of data may be delayed without notice for a variety of reasons, including the shutdown of the government agency or change at the private institution that handles the material.

Source: Morningstar.com, February 8, 2019 Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.”

Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of a mixer and beat on low speed. Increase speed to medium and add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, then beat about 3 minutes. Turn off the mixer and add boiling water. Beat on high for approximately 1 minute.

Pour batter evenly among the pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, purée the strawberries in a food processor and set aside. Using the paddle attachment, cream the room-temperature butter in the bowl of a stand mixer. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth. Combine with the strawberry purée and add the vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy (approximately 3 to 5 minutes).

Frost and stack the cakes; decorate with fresh strawberries. Try adding a dollop of fresh, whipped cream upon serving.

Recipe adapted from Cake ‘n Knife[5]

Control Your Breathing

You might not know it, but golf can create so much stress that it triggers the “fight or flight” response in your body. Your heart beats faster, your blood pressure increases, and your mind begins to race. These are all things that make it harder to focus and stay in the moment. Here is a simple breathing exercise you can do on the course to calm down and relax:

Inhale very slowly through your nose.

Exhale just as slowly through your mouth.

Repeat.

After doing this for a brief period of time, your body will start to get the message, and you will send a signal to your nervous system to activate calming hormones, which will slow down your heart rate and relax your muscles.

Tip courtesy of Jon Sherman | practical-golf.com[7]

Egg-Citing News About Chickens

Backyard chickens boast benefits beyond the barnyard. With concerns about our food sources, fresh eggs may be higher quality, better tasting, and more nutritious. Some other benefits of chicken ownership:

Pest control. Chickens eat small bugs and worms. They hunt and peck for little critters and insects.

Compost. The waste from your coop can be used in the garden as compost, which nourishes the soil as natural, environmentally friendly fertilizer.

Less food waste. Chickens eat scraps, so you can add scraps of bread, fruit, or veggies to their feed. Be sure to feed scraps in moderation and to check guidelines on what they can and can’t eat before sharing your leftovers.

Companionship. Tending chickens can help you to de-stress, unwind, and get outdoors.

Check to see if your city supports backyard chickens before you build your coop. Many communities allow chickens, but not roosters.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

]]>Stocks Muted, Big Week Aheadhttps://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/stocks-muted-big-week-ahead/
Fri, 01 Feb 2019 19:37:29 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=298Weekly Update – January 28, 2019 For the first time in months, U.S. markets experienced little movement last week. [1] The Dow and NASDAQ did have their 5th week of gains in a row, but their increases were small: 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 broke its 4-week winning streak with a 0.22% loss. [2] Internationally, the…

For the first time in months, U.S. markets experienced little movement last week. [1] The Dow and NASDAQ did have their 5th week of gains in a row, but their increases were small: 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 broke its 4-week winning streak with a 0.22% loss. [2] Internationally, the MSCI EAFE also posted modest returns, gaining 0.47% for the week. [3]

What topics were on investors’ minds?

Despite the relative lack of market drama last week, investors still had plenty to consider. For example, the following details emerged:

Conflicting messages came out on trade tension with China.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgraded its forecast for global growth.

Corporate earnings season continued.[4]

In addition, the longest federal government shutdown in history ended. After 35 days, the House and Senate voted unanimously to reopen the partially closed government. President Trump signed the bill, which includes funding through February 15.[5]

This week could provide far more action in the markets when a number of key details emerge.[6]

What’s ahead this week?

These last days of January provide several noteworthy updates, including:

Federal Reserve Meeting: Most people expect that the Fed will not increase rates this week. However, many investors will be studying how the central bank describes its plans for 2019 and assessment of the economy’s strength.[7]

Corporate Earnings: This week, 126 S&P 500 companies will release their earnings data.[8] Major reports could help provide insight into everything from U.S. consumers to global industry.[9]

China Negotiations: Chinese Vice Premier Liu and his delegation are coming to Washington to conduct additional trade discussions.[10] As we have discussed for months, the ongoing tension is affecting markets as investors look for clarity on what may lie ahead.[11]

One data point we may not receive this week is the initial reading of 4th quarter 2018 Gross Domestic Product.[12] This report is one of many affected by the federal government shutdown. Although the government has reopened, we have yet to receive the latest data on retail sales, new home sales, durable goods orders, and more.[13]

As the week unfolds, we will analyze all of the information that does come out – and continue to look for ways to pursue our clients’ long-term goals in the current economic environment. If you have any questions about how these details affect your financial life, we’re here to talk.

Notes: All index returns (except S&P 500) exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized. The total returns for the S&P 500 assume reinvestment of dividends on the last day of the month. This may account for differences between the index returns published on Morningstar.com and the index returns published elsewhere. International performance is represented by the MSCI EAFE Index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

“Happiness is found in the absence of expectation and a continuous focus on appreciation.”

– Tony Robbins

Spinach-Orange Salad

Ingredients:

6 slices prosciutto (you can use bacon as a replacement)

2 oranges, zest, and juice (zest them first, then squeeze the juice)

1 – 2 additional oranges, sectioned (supremed)

2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp. honey

1 – 2 cloves garlic, peeled

¾ tsp. salt

¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

¾ cup extra virgin olive oil

10 – 12 oz. fresh, pre-washed spinach

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the prosciutto slices on a baking sheet and bake until just crisp, about 10 minutes. Let cool, then crumble the prosciutto slices into a container. If you’re using bacon, cut it into small pieces and cook on the stovetop in a frying pan until crisp.

Place the spinach into a large bowl. Put in the supremed orange sections and prosciutto (or bacon), then add a little of the dressing at a time as not to overdress. Serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from Food Network[14]

Lift Your Mood with an Essential Oil Diffuser

Diffusers are ultrasonic devices that, when filled with water and essential oils, emit a mist with an essence that can lift your spirits. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Start with simple blends or single notes: Use scents that you like. Try combining 4 – 12 drops of lavender and rosemary or eucalyptus and spearmint. You also can try single oils to diffuse: lavender, peppermint, lemon, or frankincense.

Location, location, location: Choose a good location. Make sure your diffuser is sitting on a level surface and is not adjacent to any nearby furniture that could be damaged by the mist. Lay a towel nearby if needed.

Water it: Fill the water to the recommended fill line. Be sure not to overfill. If you add too much, the diffuser may not work properly.

Keep it clean: Rinse your diffuser after use and use a small brush to clean with warm water. You can use a cotton swab and alcohol to clean the ultrasonic chip in the bottom of the diffuser.

Tip adapted from Loving Essential Oils [17]

Community Cleanup, Keep Your Block Clean

For 20 years, the Great American Cleanup has conducted grassroots projects that engage volunteers to clean up and remove litter from parks, streets, and other public spaces. In fact, in 2017, 186 million pounds of litter were collected by volunteers across the country. You can take action on your own with some simple tips to set an example and help to keep America clean. Remember, the less litter in the area, the more likely it will stay that way.

Pick up at least one piece of trash daily. Every bit counts.

Keep the front of your home and the surrounding streets and curbs clean and tidy. Plant or pot plants and flowers; mow the lawn regularly.

Teach children to put trash in trash cans and to recycle.

Help clean up local playgrounds and parks.

Paint over graffiti or turn it into community art projects.

Properly dispose of cigarette butts.

Consider starting a Great American Cleanup event of your own by visitingwww.kab.org.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

]]>Markets Relax and Rallyhttps://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/markets-relax-and-rally/
Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:38:51 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=295Weekly Update – January 14, 2019 After months of volatility, markets relaxed a bit last week. For the first time since October, the S&P 500 went 5 days without a 1% gain or loss. [1] The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, also fell to lower than 20 – in December, it spiked above 35. [2] For the week,…

After months of volatility, markets relaxed a bit last week. For the first time since October, the S&P 500 went 5 days without a 1% gain or loss. [1] The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, also fell to lower than 20 – in December, it spiked above 35. [2]

For the week, the S&P 500 added 2.54%, the Dow gained 2.40%, and the NASDAQ increased 3.45%. All three indexes are in positive territory for 2019.[3] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE grew as well, with a 2.85% weekly gain. [4]

Many investors believe that efforts to resolve trade tension between the U.S. and China made progress last week. On Wednesday, January 9, talks concluded in Beijing after three days of negotiations, and China said the “in-depth” meetings made a resolution possible. [7] The next day, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced that a high-level Chinese policy advisor is coming to D.C. later this month for further talks. [8]

What is ahead?

Last week’s trade and policy headlines seemed to ease some of the risks on investors’ minds. [9] However, both challenges and opportunities remain.

This week marks the beginning of U.S. corporate earnings season. Analysts have low expectations for companies’ 4th-quarter performance, especially after a number of large corporations released warnings about their results. However, analysts still predict that S&P 500 companies experienced 14.5% profit growth. In addition, the generally sour, pessimistic mood surrounding earnings could support equities in two ways: 1) Investors may not react strongly if companies miss projections, and 2) any companies that have surprisingly good results could see stock price jumps. [10]

Along with earnings results, investors will be paying close attention to companies’ commentary on business in China. [11] Some experts believe Chinese economic growth is slowing, which is already affecting market performance. On Friday, markets stumbled a bit as analysts considered data and commentary on China’s economy. These details will remain important to watch – and see how they relate to trade. [12]

In addition, while the U.S. federal government shutdown has not yet had a large market impact, if it continues for too long, it could sizably affect the economy.[13]

We will continue to monitor these and other financial perspectives as we determine where the markets are – and what may be on the horizon. If you have any questions, we’re here to talk and listen.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR

Tuesday: PPI-FD

Wednesday: Retail Sales, Housing Market Index

Thursday: Housing Starts, Jobless Claims

Friday: Industrial Production, Consumer Sentiment

Notes: All index returns (except S&P 500) exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized. The total returns for the S&P 500 assume reinvestment of dividends on the last day of the month. This may account for differences between the index returns published on Morningstar.com and the index returns published elsewhere. International performance is represented by the MSCI EAFE Index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a large, 6 cup popover pan (or a mini, 12-cup popover pan) with the butter or oil. Place the pan in the oven for 3 minutes to melt the butter. Once melted, remove the pan and spray the edges with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and pizza sauce. Add in the dry ingredients and mix all until combined. Pour batter evenly into the popover pan. First, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350°F. Bake for 8 additional minutes (about 18 minutes in total).

Once you remove the popovers from the oven, immediately add the cheese inside of the popover. Put the popovers back in the oven for about 5 minutes until puffy and golden. Let them cool a few minutes and enjoy! Note: If desired, sprinkle with fresh Parmesan and drizzle with olive oil.

Recipe adapted from Recipe4Living [14]

Restorative Yoga – Long and Easy Stretching

Whether you have been curious about yoga, but have never tried it, or if you’re a seasoned yogi and are looking for something new, restorative yoga has something for everyone. This gentle yoga uses props like blocks, blankets, and straps. Stretches and poses are held for a longer period of time, which can yield many benefits. Here are a few ways that restorative yoga can be beneficial for many people:

It can help with neck, low back, hip, and shoulder pain

It can help with insomnia

It is widely practiced by all ages and modifications are available

It can relax the mind and help with anxiety

It may help to cope with serious illnesses and life events

It may improve respiratory and circulatory function

Check your local yoga studios or gyms to enroll in a restorative yoga class. If you can’t find one, there are online yoga courses you can try. It might be a stretch worth taking (ask your doctor if yoga might be right for you).

Tip adapted from www.mindbodygreen.com[17]

Eco Travel, Traveling Green

For your next trip, think green. Green and sustainable, that is. From the hotel to your meals, modes of travel and activities, your trip can center around your concern for the environment. Check out these tips:

Save jet fuel. Try to plan as few layovers as possible. Also, pack light since heavier planes use more fuel.

Green hotels. Many hotels practice sustainability through energy and water conservation. The Green Hotels Associations has listings of green hotels and approved vendors.

Walk, bike, share a ride. Choose walking- and biking-friendly destinations. You’ll help the environment and get some exercise and fresh air.

Shop local. You can give back to the community by shopping and eating locally. Look for sustainable restaurants that use local produce. Also, you can support local artisans by purchasing handmade, local gifts .

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative,Broker dealer or Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

[18] www.greenamerica.org/green-living/eco-travel-checklist

]]>Markets Up – And Volatilehttps://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/markets-up-and-volatile/
Tue, 08 Jan 2019 20:42:36 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=292Weekly Update – January 7, 2019 U.S. markets experienced more wild sessions last week before ending in positive territory as the recent turbulence continued. In fact, we are currently in the middle of some of the most volatile market performance in more than eight years. [1] For the week, the S&P 500 gained 1.86%, the Dow added…

U.S. markets experienced more wild sessions last week before ending in positive territory as the recent turbulence continued. In fact, we are currently in the middle of some of the most volatile market performance in more than eight years. [1] For the week, the S&P 500 gained 1.86%, the Dow added 1.61%, and the NASDAQ increased 2.34%. [2] MSCI EAFE stocks also increased, posting a 1.42% weekly gain. [3]

While the results may not seem especially dramatic, the path to get there certainly was. On Thursday, January 3, domestic stocks plunged, as factory data and a tech warning spooked investors. [4] Then, the next day, the S&P 500, Dow, and NASDAQ each gained at least 3.3%. [5] Friday’s performance marked one of the largest rallies since the beginning of this bull market. [6]

What drove the market rally?

Two key events contributed to the huge jumps on Friday: 1) the latest labor report and 2) comments from the Federal Reserve Chairman. [7]

1. December’s labor report exceeded projections.

Many people expected that the economy would add around 176,000 jobs last month. Instead, the latest data revealed that the increase was actually 312,000 new jobs in December – drastically beating expectations. [8] Not only did last month’s labor report show more jobs added than anticipated, but wage growth and labor market participation also increased. [9]

Why does this data matter?

Investors have been very concerned that economic growth is slowing. This data helped quell worries that a recession is ahead. [10]

Some of the uneasiness the markets have shown recently are a result of concerns that the Fed is tightening monetary policy too quickly. Powell’s comments indicate the Fed is sensitive to economic conditions, an update that many investors wanted to hear. [12]

What is on the horizon?

A number of unresolved situations remain for the markets and economy. The government shutdown continues, and a solution doesn’t appear imminent at the moment. Trade dynamics are also still an important consideration, especially since corporations are now issuing warnings that trade is affecting their profits. Meanwhile, U.S. officials will be meeting with China this week to talk once again. [13]

For now, the volatility we are experiencing may continue. [14] Remember, we’re closely tracking developments to see how they may affect your financial life. If you have questions about how to weather these ups and downs, we are here for you.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR

Monday: Factory Orders, ISM Non-Mfg Index

Tuesday: JOLTS

Wednesday: FOMC Minutes

Thursday: Jobless Claims

Friday: CPI

Notes: All index returns (except S&P 500) exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized. The total returns for the S&P 500 assume reinvestment of dividends on the last day of the month. This may account for differences between the index returns published on Morningstar.com and the index returns published elsewhere. International performance is represented by the MSCI EAFE Index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.”

While the oven is preheating to 350°F, spread the oats evenly in a 9″ x 13″ pan. Put them in the oven and toast for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Meanwhile, line a 9″ x 9″ pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving a few extra inches on each side so you can tent the bars after the granola mixture is transferred to the pan.

Heat the oil in a small saucepan and add the brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg; bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves, then turn off the burner.

Add the oats to a large bowl, pour the hot liquid over the oats, and stir to coat evenly. Stir in all of your “extras,” then add the mixture into the prepared pan.

Fold the extra parchment or foil over the top of the granola mixture and press to fill the pan and to flatten out the granola in the pan. Cool the bars for about an hour or put them in the freezer to cool faster.

Invert the pan to transfer cooled bars onto a cutting board and set aside the parchment or foil. Slice the bars to the desired size and spread them in a single layer onto the foil or parchment. Melt the chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat. Drizzle the chocolate over the bars with a spoon and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Sugar Dish Me[15]

Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

It’s true: America loves dogs. Besides our four-legged best friends being cute, friendly, and always glad to see us, they offer a whole host of health benefits to keep our spirits up, help to combat loneliness, and have an excuse to get outside for some fresh air and exercise. Here are a few added benefits of canine ownership:

Unconditional love. No pressure – your dog loves you no matter what. Sometimes it’s just what the doctor ordered.

Never lonely. The companionship of a dog can alleviate feelings of loneliness and give meaning because a dog needs consistent care. Dogs are also good for those who have trouble connecting with other people, such as those diagnosed with PTSD or dementia.

Better than blood pressure pills. Studies have shown that in some cases, dog ownership may help lower cortisol levels, which in turn, could result in lower blood pressure.

Tip adapted from Canine Weekly[18]

Energy Saving Tips in the Kitchen

Appliances and hot water account for a big part of energy use in your home. So, the kitchen is a great place to start saving energy. Here are a few kitchen energy saving tips:

Leave the faucet on the cold side when using small amounts of water. When the lever is in the “hot” position, it still draws hot water, even though it may not reach the faucet.

If you’re shopping for a new stove, look for a natural gas model with an automatic, electric ignition system. It saves gas since a pilot light is not burning continuously.

Your natural gas appliances should have blue flames; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently. If you see yellow flames, consult the manufacturer or your local utility provider.

Be sure to keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better, while saving energy.

Cover your kettle or pan, or use an electric kettle to boil water. It’ll brew faster and will use less energy.

Eating for one? Use a toaster, microwave, or convection oven rather than your large stove or oven. Doing this will save up to half the energy of a full-sized oven.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative,Broker dealer or Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site .

[18] canineweekly.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-dog-ownership/

]]>Year-End Special Edition: A Look Back at 2018https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/year-end-special-edition-a-look-back-at-2018/
Fri, 04 Jan 2019 16:04:36 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=291Weekly Update – December 31, 2018 The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we’re reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial markets in the coming year. Year in Review Wall Street began…

The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we’re reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial markets in the coming year.

Year in Review

Wall Street began 2018 in rally mode, as enthusiasm for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act spilled over into the New Year. Strong economic news encouraged investors, who put aside fears that rising inflation may lead to higher interest rates. What Wall Street did not see coming were the spring and summer trade disputes with China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. Fear of a global economic slowdown contributed to a sharp decline in stock prices in October. U.S. economic growth forecasts were tempered in November for 2019, with bull and bears engaged in a fierce tug-of-war as the year came to a close. [1]

Economic Growth

After expanding at a middling 2.2% pace in the first quarter, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 4.2% in Q2 and 3.4% in Q3. [2] The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta forecasted a 2.7% increase for Q4, which will be released on January 30, 2019 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. [3][4] The Congressional Budget Office expects GDP growth in 2019 to slow to 2.4% “as growth in business investment and government purchases slows.” [5]

Interest Rates

At the close of its September 2018 meeting, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate to 2.25%, a full percentage point higher than it was a year earlier. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell appeared to change his stance on monetary policy, saying interest rates were “just below” a neutral level. Previously, he indicated rates were a “long way” from neutral. [6]

Consumer Prices and Wage Growth

The number of future interest rate hikes by the Fed may largely depend on its reading of inflation. An uptick in consumer prices or an increase in wage growth may prompt the Fed to consider additional hikes in 2019. [7]

Trade Talk Progress

Tariffs were a highlight of 2018 news. On July 10, the Trump administration announced a list of tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods. [8] The escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and China is an enormous overhang on the financial markets. The continuing impasse may affect economic growth and push consumer prices higher.

2018 also was a year in which a major trade pact started to come together. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was approved in principle in October. However, the agreement must be approved by Congress and the legislative bodies of Mexico and Canada before it can take effect. [9]

U.S. Dollar

Rising interest rates and robust domestic growth in 2018 lead to a strengthening of the U.S. dollar. A strong U.S. dollar can negatively affect profits of U.S.-based multinational companies, since it can make their products more expensive to overseas buyers. [10]This will also be something to watch in the coming year.

Real Estate

The trend of higher interest rates in 2018 was also felt in the real estate market. The average rate on a 30-year conventional home loan stood at 3.95% in January 2018. At year’s end, it was hovering near 5% according to Freddie Mac. [11]

We hope you enjoyed this look back at 2018! Next week, we’ll be back to covering the market numbers.

“The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind.”

– T.T. Munger

Beef Stroganoff

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

10 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)

Kosher salt

Pepper

1 pound lean beef sirloin (thinly sliced)

2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

½ cup dry white wine

3½ cups low-sodium beef broth

8 ounces fusilli pasta

3 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream

Directions:

On medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet.

Stir in cremini mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, 5 minutes. Move to bowl.

Put the pan back on medium heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil, season thinly sliced lean beef sirloin with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink.

Add garlic, cook 1 minute, and stir in Dijon mustard.

Put in dry white wine, cook. Scrape up any browned bits.

Mix in low-sodium beef broth. Bring to a simmer.

Mix in fusilli pasta and mushroom with juices. Bring to a simmer again. Stir often until the pasta is al dente, 14-18 minutes.

Mix in crème fraîche or sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe adapted from Good Housekeeping [12]

Fibromyalgia: What is it, and How Do You Treat It?

You experience chronic muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and tender areas. You may have fibromyalgia.

About 5 million Americans have fibromyalgia, a lifelong condition. Sufferers typically have stiff, sore muscles. The syndrome is not easily diagnosed, but doctors are able to develop treatment plans based on symptoms.

Health experts say your best approach for relief is to get moving. A few minor changes to your exercise routine can give you more energy and ease the pain.

For starters, gently rotate your joints until they move easily. Focusing on the big muscles (calves, thighs, hips, lower back, shoulders), stretch the full range of motion and hold for 30 seconds.

Walking and other aerobic activities can provide significant relief. The secret is to find something you enjoy doing and doing it for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Isometric exercises are great too. Isometrics consist of pushing and holding something against resistance. The chest press is one example. Holding your two hands clasped in front of you is a good one. Do five sets. A set is pressing and holding for 10-15 seconds.

Take it easy with workouts at first. Low- and moderate-intensity routines are the best way to get in the habit. Take it slow and easy.

Tips adapted from WebMD[15]

What’s the Big Deal About Farmers Markets?

Why go to farmers markets when you can just head to the big-box stores to do all your grocery shopping? Besides the freshness of organic, nutrition-packed produce and other items you get at farmers markets, the benefits are big deals.

Shopping at farmers markets nearly guarantees you are buying produce the way nature intended it.

Here are three big reasons why farmers markets are the place to go:

Family farmers rely mostly on local customers. Family farmers’ prospects of staying in business is nearly 10% greater than farmers who sell in traditional markets.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.

[15] www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/default.htm

[16] www.earthshare.org/market/

]]>Volatility Continueshttps://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/volatility-continues/
Tue, 11 Dec 2018 19:10:46 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=289Weekly Update – December 10, 2018 Markets went for another wild ride last week, as major domestic indexes swung back and forth. By Friday, December 7, markets had posted their worst weekly performance since March – and the S&P 500 and Dow both moved into negative territory for 2018.[1] Overall, the S&P 500 lost 4.60%,…

Markets went for another wild ride last week, as major domestic indexes swung back and forth. By Friday, December 7, markets had posted their worst weekly performance since March – and the S&P 500 and Dow both moved into negative territory for 2018.[1]

Overall, the S&P 500 lost 4.60%, the Dow declined 4.50%, and the NASDAQ dropped 4.92%. [2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also struggled, posting a 2.27% weekly loss. [3]

Let’s take a look at what is driving this challenging market performance.

Examining Recent Volatility

1. How volatile are stocks right now?
If recent market fluctuations have felt intense to you, there’s a reason: They are. The past three weeks have had the most volatility since 2008’s financial crisis. During this time, domestic indexes have ricocheted between gains and losses. The large swings have occurred both week-to-week and within daily trading. [4]

2. What is causing the volatility?
Many of the same themes we’ve discussed throughout 2018 are continuing to affect market behavior. Ultimately, many investors are worried that corporate profits and global growth will suffer if trade tension persists and the Federal Reserve continues raising interest rates. [5]

Concerns about Treasury yields were also on investors’ minds. For part of last week, 3-year Treasury notes had higher yields than 5-year notes. Called an inversion, a higher yield on shorter-term Treasuries can be a sign of a coming recession. The yield spread between 2-year and 10-year Treasury notes, which people focus on more, has not inverted. [6]

3. Should you feel concerned?
With many headlines to digest, from conspiracy charges against a Chinese tech leader to comments from the Fed, investors had a lot to consider last week. [7]The difference is how they reacted to this information. For some time, markets were basically ignoring headlines. Now, they’ve moved in the opposite direction into what one investment manager called “a period of hypersensitivity.” [8]

Consequently, recent market performance may seem unnerving. As is often the case, however, the reality may be less extreme than what appears at first glance, especially when you look at the fundamentals.

4. What do the fundamentals tell us?
While last week’s market performance saw large fluctuations, the fundamentals we received were far less dramatic. We learned that two sectors beat expectations in November: manufacturing and service. [9] Further, the November labor report revealed fewer new jobs than anticipated, but unemployment is still at historically low levels, as job and wage growth continue. [10]

Remember, risks exist in the markets and economy, and we’re analyzing these details closely. If you have any questions about your financial standing or anything you hear in the news, we are here to talk.

ECONOMIC CALENDAR

Monday: JOLTS

Tuesday: PPI-FD

Wednesday: CPI

Thursday: Jobless Claims

Friday: Retail Sales, Industrial Production

Notes: All index returns (except S&P 500) exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized. The total returns for the S&P 500 assume reinvestment of dividends on the last day of the month. This may account for differences between the index returns published on Morningstar.com and the index returns published elsewhere. International performance is represented by the MSCI EAFE Index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

“If you wish to get rich, save what you get. A fool can earn money; but it takes a wise man to save and dispose of it to his own advantage.”

Collard Greens with Bacon and Cider Vinegar

Serves 12

Ingredients:

3 pounds collard greens

4 slices bacon, cut into ¼”-wide strips

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Directions:

Throw away the tough stems of the collard greens.

Chop up and then rinse the collard greens.

Add bacon and onion to an 8-quart sauce pot.

Over medium heat, cook until the onion is tender, and the bacon browned, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

Turn the heat to medium-high. Slowly add the collard greens and stir until the greens are wilted.

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook until the ingredients are tender, about 10 minutes.

Turn the heat to medium-high, uncover the pot and continue cooking, while stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Add vinegar, salt, and coarsely ground black pepper while stirring.

Recipe adapted from Good Housekeeping[11]

Putt Away the Pressure!

You’re on the last hole. You’re on the green. It’s been a great day on the course. If you sink this, you’ll achieve a personal best, and your friends will brag about your game for the next 10 years.

Everybody’s watching. Your best game ever is at stake. Then suddenly you freeze. Too much pressure!

You’re not alone.

Pressure can ruin the best of games. So, how do the pros overcome the pressure -when the cameras are on and the announcers are whispering?

Develop a standard putting routine, a kind of generic version you can pull out of your bag for every game use.

A kind of pre-putt, it should follow the same pattern, the same timeline, every time.

Most golfers have the habit of slowing (or, with some, speeding it up) when the pressure mounts. But the delay (or the rush) reinforces the tendency to second-guess yourself.

Once you develop a standard routine, practice it frequently so you’re able to do it in pressure settings, at a moment’s notice.

Tip adapted from GolfDigest [13]

Causes and Treatment of Dysphagia

If you sometimes have difficulty swallowing, you may have dysphagia.

People with dysphagia have trouble getting food to pass from their mouths to their stomachs. Nerve or muscle problems usually cause dysphagia, which is more common in older people and babies.

Problems in any part of the swallowing process can indicate dysphagia.

Dysphagia symptoms include:

Choking while eating.

Coughing or gagging while swallowing.

Drooling.

Frequent heartburn.

Hoarseness.

Regurgitation.

Inability to control saliva in the mouth.

Treatment for high dysphagia includes:

Swallowing therapy.

Diet modifications, which may include easy-to-swallow foods.

Tube feeding may help sufferers at a risk of pneumonia, malnutrition, or dehydration.

Treatment for low dysphagia (esophageal) may include:

Dilation, which involves using a small balloon to widen the esophagus.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) can be used to paralyze stiff muscles that are causing constrictions.

Tips adapted from MedicalNewsToday [14]

What’s So Wonderful About Wetlands?

The United States has degraded or destroyed half of the nation’s wetlands. In California, that amount is 90%.

So, what’s the big deal about wetlands? Why are they important? Here are ten benefits of wetlands. They:

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site .

[14] www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/177473.php

[15] www.earthshare.org/wetlands/

]]>The Impact of Oil and Electionshttps://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/the-impact-of-oil-and-elections/
Thu, 15 Nov 2018 16:38:19 +0000https://retirementwealthmanagementgroup.com/?p=286Weekly Update – November 12, 2018 Last week, markets experienced a 4-day winning streak before dropping on Friday, November 9. Despite those losses, domestic indexes posted gains for the week.[1] The S&P 500 increased 2.13%, the Dow added 2.84%, and the NASDAQ was up 0.68%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE had slight growth, ending the week…

Last week, markets experienced a 4-day winning streak before dropping on Friday, November 9. Despite those losses, domestic indexes posted gains for the week.[1] The S&P 500 increased 2.13%, the Dow added 2.84%, and the NASDAQ was up 0.68%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE had slight growth, ending the week up 0.20%.[3]

From interest rates to corporate profits, investors had a number of topics to consider.[4] In this update, we want to focus on two key details that drove markets: oil prices and midterm election results.

1. Oil Prices Declined
Oil prices continued to fall last week, posting the most consecutive daily declines in at least three decades.[5] In fact, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures, a key oil benchmark, is officially in bear market territory. WTI has fallen more than 20% below its highest point over the past year.[6]

What does this drop mean for markets?
Some investors believe the price declines are another sign that the global economy is slowing down. Historically, people have used oil prices as one way to decipher economic health because they can correlate with global growth. When crude oil prices drop, greater economic challenges are often ahead.[7]

This recent decline may have a less concerning explanation. The United States sanctioned Iran last week while allowing eight nations to continue buying oil from the country for now.[8] All of these waivers resulted in 1 million more barrels of Iranian oil being on the market than expected, the opposite of the anticipated tightening supply.[9]

Bottom line: The oil price decline may be more of a symptom of disrupted supply and demand, rather than an indication of the global economy’s health.[10]

2. Midterm Elections Brought Few Surprises
The long-awaited midterm elections occurred last week, and the results matched expectations for a split Congress.[11] These results contributed to the midweek market rally we experienced.[12]

How could the results affect markets?
Post-midterm market results are generally strong. Over the past 18 midterm elections, stocks have always had positive returns from their lows in October to the year’s end. Some investors even believe that October’s struggles were a sign of the markets pricing in the election results about a month early.[13]

Taking a historical, long-term view, the current arrangement of a Republican president and a split Congress has resulted in 12% annual returns since 1936. The chart below shows how markets have performed through each potential party-control scenario.[14]

Although stocks have often done well when Washington experiences gridlock, the current scenario also makes a government shutdown or increased investigations into President Trump more likely. With either of these actions, market volatility could follow.[15]

Bottom line: The election results could help bolster market performance. The split Congress also brings potential for political uncertainty that increases volatility for investors.[16]

In many ways, this week’s market behavior underscores the complex, interconnected relationships between geopolitics and the markets. If you have any questions or would like to dive deeper into how these situations affect your financial life, we’re here to talk.

Notes: All index returns (except S&P 500) exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized. The total returns for the S&P 500 assume reinvestment of dividends on the last day of the month. This may account for differences between the index returns published on Morningstar.com and the index returns published elsewhere. International performance is represented by the MSCI EAFE Index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.”

– Robert Kiyosaki

Doubly Cheesy Meatball Bake

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 cups packed torn crustless stale white bread

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

⅓ cup finely chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 pounds ground lamb or beef chuck (80% lean)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 cup lower-sodium beef or chicken broth

2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

2 bay leaves

1½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 375°F.

Soak bread in cold water for 20 minutes in a large bowl.

Squeeze out excess water from the bread. Dump out the water.

Put feta, mint, garlic, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper in the bowl with the bread. Shake it lightly to combine.

Put the lamb or beef in the bowl and mix until it is combined.

Make 12 2-inch meatballs.

On medium high, heat oil in 12-inch skillet. Put in meatballs and cook for 10 minutes, turning until they’re browned on all sides.

Put the meatballs on a large plate. Drain off excess oil from the pan, leaving a thin coating. Scrape out any browned bits. Lower the heat to medium.

Add onion to the skillet and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally.

Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.

By clicking on these links, you will leave our server, as the links are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.